Best Things: @breezeblockhead
Call them ‘air bricks’, ‘ventilation blocks’, ‘breeze bricks’, ‘breeze blocks’, whatever you like, I just love it that Aussie architect Sam Marshall (aka @breezeblockhead) has taken it upon himself to survey and record pics on his Instagram feed of these sun-and-wind-blocking architectural features (also known as brise soleil* screens), beloved of Mid-century enthusiasts and tropical climes.
This is the kind of geek-dom to which I can really relate. I mean, an instagram post entitled ‘watching a breezeblock about to be born’ had me fumbling my phone as I tried hitting ‘like’ and taking a screengrab all at once.
And then there’s that list of hashtags too. I TOTALLY #brakeforbreezeblocks. Do you?
Actually, I’m serious about whether or not you #brakeforbreezeblocks, as I’ve started the instagram hashtag to record South African brise soleil* screens. If you’re a local enthusiast, please join in and record your finds, along with a short description of the place and building, and (of course) the #BriseSoleilSA hashtag.
Take a look at some of the ones I’ve collected so far (screengrab below) and I’m looking forward to seeing other peoples’ pics tagged #BriseSoleilSA in the mix soon.
*Brise Soleil is a French term, that literally means ‘break the sun’, and is pronounced “breeze so-lay”.
Christien - ZIZOlabel
Hi Heather, I just came back from holidays in Portugal and saw breezeblocks all over the place… so you’ll probably be inspired when you come to Portugal for your classes. Wish I could have joined but hey I have to work and earn some money as well… Will try to make some of my own tile patterns in my Dutch studio!
skinnylaminx
Ooh, I can’t wait to get to Portugal, and this news makes it even better!
Would be nice if you could join the Camp, but I’m sure that time in your studio will be super-fruitful 🙂
x Heather